Cafe Zupas
The Buyer supports the day-to-day execution of Cafe Zupas’ food purchasing activities, ensuring consistent availability of approved ingredients across all corporate-owned restaurants. This role works closely with Culinary, Operations, and US Foods and Produce suppliers to manage purchasing execution, item transitions, and supply continuity. The Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining data accuracy, supporting menu launches, monitoring inventory health, and resolving short-term supply issues.
Purchasing & Order Execution
Execute food purchasing activities in alignment with category strategies and approved suppliers.
Monitor product availability, fill rates, and service levels through US Foods and supplier partners.
Support short-term purchasing decisions to mitigate out-of-stocks, substitutions, or supply disruptions.
Coordinate with US Foods on item availability, allocations, and inventory timing.
Ensure purchasing aligns with forecasted demand and operational needs.
Inventory & Item Management
Support the setup, maintenance, and transition of all food items within Cafe Zupas’ internal supply chain database.
Assist with seasonal, limited-time, and new menu item launches by validating item numbers, pack sizes, and availability.
Maintain accurate order guides and support updates to US Foods pars as directed by Category Managers.
Monitor usage trends and flag potential inventory risks, excess stock, or anomalies.
Assist with item phase-outs and transitions to ensure clean execution at the store level.
Menu Launch & Transition Support
Partner with Culinary and Category Managers to support new recipe rollouts and ingredient changes.
Coordinate with US Foods to confirm inventory is available and properly staged prior to menu launches.
Support internal readiness by validating timelines, item setups, and ordering guidance.
Help communicate item changes, substitutions, and ordering updates to Operations teams as needed.
Data Accuracy & Reporting
Maintain accurate purchasing, pricing, and item data within internal supply chain systems.
Support reporting on food spend, usage, availability, and service-level performance.
Assist with data validation for cost tracking, inventory analysis, and category reporting.
Identify recurring issues and elevate risks or improvement opportunities to Category Managers.
Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration
Serve as a key point of coordination between Supply Chain, Culinary, Operations, and US Foods for food-related items.
Communicate clearly and proactively regarding supply risks, substitutions, or timing concerns.
Support supplier communication and follow‑up as directed by Category Managers.
Participate in cross‑functional meetings related to menu planning, store support, and supply readiness.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
1–3 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or restaurant operations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Excel and comfort working with large item lists and datasets.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong communication and follow‑through skills.
Preferred
Experience working with broadline distributors such as US Foods.
Familiarity with foodservice purchasing, ingredient sourcing, or menu execution.
Experience supporting menu launches or item transitions in a multi‑unit restaurant environment.
Exposure to internal databases or item management systems.
Core Competencies
Purchasing Execution & Accuracy
Inventory Awareness & Problem Solving
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Detail Orientation & Organization
Responsiveness & Ownership
Physical Requirements Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; occasional travel to supplier locations or restaurants (up to 10%).
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
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Purchasing & Order Execution
Execute food purchasing activities in alignment with category strategies and approved suppliers.
Monitor product availability, fill rates, and service levels through US Foods and supplier partners.
Support short-term purchasing decisions to mitigate out-of-stocks, substitutions, or supply disruptions.
Coordinate with US Foods on item availability, allocations, and inventory timing.
Ensure purchasing aligns with forecasted demand and operational needs.
Inventory & Item Management
Support the setup, maintenance, and transition of all food items within Cafe Zupas’ internal supply chain database.
Assist with seasonal, limited-time, and new menu item launches by validating item numbers, pack sizes, and availability.
Maintain accurate order guides and support updates to US Foods pars as directed by Category Managers.
Monitor usage trends and flag potential inventory risks, excess stock, or anomalies.
Assist with item phase-outs and transitions to ensure clean execution at the store level.
Menu Launch & Transition Support
Partner with Culinary and Category Managers to support new recipe rollouts and ingredient changes.
Coordinate with US Foods to confirm inventory is available and properly staged prior to menu launches.
Support internal readiness by validating timelines, item setups, and ordering guidance.
Help communicate item changes, substitutions, and ordering updates to Operations teams as needed.
Data Accuracy & Reporting
Maintain accurate purchasing, pricing, and item data within internal supply chain systems.
Support reporting on food spend, usage, availability, and service-level performance.
Assist with data validation for cost tracking, inventory analysis, and category reporting.
Identify recurring issues and elevate risks or improvement opportunities to Category Managers.
Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration
Serve as a key point of coordination between Supply Chain, Culinary, Operations, and US Foods for food-related items.
Communicate clearly and proactively regarding supply risks, substitutions, or timing concerns.
Support supplier communication and follow‑up as directed by Category Managers.
Participate in cross‑functional meetings related to menu planning, store support, and supply readiness.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
1–3 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or restaurant operations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Excel and comfort working with large item lists and datasets.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Strong communication and follow‑through skills.
Preferred
Experience working with broadline distributors such as US Foods.
Familiarity with foodservice purchasing, ingredient sourcing, or menu execution.
Experience supporting menu launches or item transitions in a multi‑unit restaurant environment.
Exposure to internal databases or item management systems.
Core Competencies
Purchasing Execution & Accuracy
Inventory Awareness & Problem Solving
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Detail Orientation & Organization
Responsiveness & Ownership
Physical Requirements Ability to sit or stand for extended periods; occasional travel to supplier locations or restaurants (up to 10%).
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.
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